I Help Them to Make Faith Connections
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I help them to make faith connections...
My ministry has evolved into pastoral care, spiritual direction, creative writing and photography. In each of these, I embrace the nonviolent aspects of presence. I see them intertwined as I try to "be open" to awareness and surprises of the Spirit each day!
Spiritual care is a vital part of the interdisciplinary team in the care of patients. I practice nonviolent presence by being an active listener to the spoken and unspoken word. By being present to each person who is made in the image and likeness of God, I become a channel of grace.
I am present at deaths, when a person is diagnosed with a disease or life-threatening illness, at the time of an accident, at births, during illness, etc. I make initial visits to each patient and follow-ups when needed. At times, families may need a calming presence, such as when there is discord among family members about life support being removed from their loved one. I listen and try to encourage them to do what is best for the patient. When a patient comes to the emergency room, it is a difficult time for the patient as well as the family member, especially if there is a death. I encourage the patient and family members to express their feelings of grief, loss, concern, anger, etc. By being present to others and offering prayer, I bring healing and offer hope.
Our employees face many pressures these days. Many young mothers are trying to juggle so much, such as family schedules, elderly parents, or children's activities. Having someone around who understands is calming for them and enables them to better perform their duties.
At the time of illness, I assist others to recognize who God or their higher power is for them, who make up their support system, and what gives their life meaning at the time. Together we try to get to the "heart of the matter." In this process, both patients and family members experience healing of body, mind and spirit.
I have also begun to practice alternative methods of healing. I hold a guided imagery session for our patients and staff once a week in our meditation room. Often a patient who is dying appreciates soft music. Healing touch and reiki promote healing and wholeness for acute and longer term patients. I try to be sensitive and respectful of the person's cultural and faith differences and wishes. Studies show that when one is in touch with spirituality, healing happens.
In Spiritual Direction, it is a privilege to companion another who wishes to deepen his/her relationship with God or higher power. As a loving presence, I encourage the directee to become more aware and reflect on experiences of daily life and to recognize the presence and activity of God in all areas of one's life.
As in pastoral ministry, I meet with directees who have blurred vision because they have experienced loss, struggles or abuse. Being a listening and compassionate companion on the journey, I help them discover within themselves the presence and grace of God, whom they have been looking for, and who was there all along. If a person does not have faith but is searching, a nonviolent presence can help the person discover inner truths.
Creative writing evolved after I began reflecting on my pastoral visits and jotting down thoughts and images. I share these with patients, who seem to find them helpful because they add meaning to their experience.
I find nature renews me to be a more effective and healing minister. Contemplating in nature helped my gift of photography and writing of haiku to emerge. I go to my center and then express the beauty of creation in word and picture. I now make cards through which I can share the Creator's word to me.
As a Franciscan, I feel I share our values of contemplation, conversion, poverty and humility with others and help them make faith connections in a nonviolent manner.
Sr. Mary Joan Meyer